Vantage Point: Ugly budget sets the stage for where we go from here 

After the longest stalemate in California's history, a budget was finally passed under the cover of night, with vague language. The Legislature, in its own leaders’ words, produced a “no tax, no borrowing budget” that fully funds Proposition 98. Once again it was full of budgetary gimmicks that do nothing but kick the budget can down the road to be dealt with next year, just as we have done for what seems like forever.

As it turns out, we fell short of our goal for an adequate, equitable and understandable budget that included both spending cuts and revenue enhancement as a first step to full funding for public education. But it wasn’t for lack of effort, and some of the most meaningful results will take time to bear fruit. You donated your time to attend media events that were picked up by your local newspapers and became the leading subject of your local television news programs week after week. I have talked to many of you who have forged new relationships in your community in the interest of building your own local education coalitions. I can't thank you enough for your commitment to the children in your districts and the state. Please believe that all is not lost; we will build on what we have started this year.

The final, dramatic week had more action than satisfaction. The budget passed by the Legislature Sept. 16 would have cut K-12’s workload revenues by $3 billion compared to last year. Then we heard rumors that the governor was going to veto the entire budget package. What a rollercoaster ride of emotions! CSBA, as part of the Education Coalition, mounted another push to try to get enough Democrats to support an $800 million increase in K-12 funding. As you now know, the revised budget the governor finally signed Sept. 23 made no changes to the K-12 funding in, only to the gimmicks used to fund the budget. Still, the governor got what he wanted—a bill that will put his Budget Stabilization Act on the ballot next year.

Where do we go from here? All I can say right now is, “We do have a plan.” I can guarantee you that next year will be just as challenging and will require your continued involvement. Just think: We are a little more than 90 days away from the release of the governor’s next state budget proposal, and that one is sure to be as ugly as the one just adopted. The state and country are in a financial breakdown, and they will require bold leadership with a 21st-century vision to move us forward.

You can make a difference with your vote on Nov. 4. We need leaders who are willing to tackle not just short-term issues but long-term challenges. By far the most important leadership asset is the willingness to reach across the aisle and uproot the partisanship that exists in state and federal government. This will be your next chance to change the landscape in Sacramento. I urge you to exercise your right to have a voice.